Quartz countertops are a popular choice for homes in Wichita. As an engineered stone, quartz countertops are designed for resilience and style, require less maintenance, offer more customization and provide an affordable alternative to natural stone countertops. As a trusted building supply store in Wichita, Star Lumber explains why quartz is a smart investment for kitchens and bathrooms.
What is Quartz?
Manufacturers create quartz countertops using 90-95% natural quartz with a mixture of resins, pigments and other synthetic materials. The process involves grinding down the stone and combining it with pigments and then binding it together with resin. This produces a non-porous, extremely durable countertop material. Unlike other stone surfaces, which are porous, quartz’s construction makes it naturally non-porous. As a result, these surfaces are inherently stain resistant and they resist water, too. On the other hand, many other stone surfaces like granite need continual maintenance and sealing to prevent staining, chips, scratches and impact damage.
Benefits of Quartz Countertops
Durability
Ideal for busy kitchens and perfect for normal wear and tear, quartz surfaces resist scratches, chips and heat damage. Thanks to their high durability, quartz kitchen countertops protect against hot pots and pans, heavy kitchen equipment and everyday use.
Low Maintenance
Quartz countertops require no maintenance beyond routine cleaning with soap and water. The low maintenance makes it a widely appealing choice and an obvious option for many Wichita homeowners.
Variety
Quartz countertops come in an extensive range of colors, patterns and finishes. Their versatility gives homeowners the freedom to choose custom designs that better match their home’s style. For instance, you can find quartz surfaces in beige, aquamarine blue or even light pink. This gives you endless ways to style any kitchen or bathroom remodel to fit your home’s aesthetic.
Hygiene
Thanks to their non-porous nature, quartz countertops make a great hygienic kitchen countertop. The resin binder used in the construction automatically seals the material together, preventing any pores or cracks for bacteria to hide in. This helps keep your kitchen safer and makes quartz surfaces especially effective in food prep areas.
Value
In terms of value, few options match quartz. On average, quartz costs about the same as granite upfront; however, you save money over time with quartz because it requires less long-term maintenance. On top of this, quartz offers comparable durability, resisting scratches, chips and staining like other natural stone surfaces. Lastly, engineered quartz provides more customization, with a wider array of colors and patterns than other stones. These benefits help you create a more unique bathroom or kitchen design without breaking the bank.
Choosing the Right Quartz for Your Kitchen or Bathroom Counters
Choosing the perfect kitchen or bath countertop involves several factors. To make sure the countertops complement your space and design, focus on color and pattern. Both build the mood and atmosphere for your kitchen or bathroom. Bold colors can create a statement or a subtle tone can convey a relaxed mood. Countertop edge profiles and thickness can also add visual impact and functionality. Rounded edges like bullnose may coordinate better with more traditional styles while beveled corners complement modern looks.
Coordinate your quartz counters with cabinetry and flooring, too. Try picking countertop thickness and colors that work well with the styles and colors on your base cabinets. This will create a consistent look throughout your home.
Caring for Quartz Countertops
Maintaining quartz countertops is straightforward: simply clean them regularly with mild soap and warm water. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners, as these can scratch the surface and create long-term damage. Some other basic care tips include:
- Use trivets and cutting boards
- Avoid placing hot pots and pans directly on the surface
- Polish periodically
- Clean with a microfiber cloth
Choose Star Lumber for Quartz Countertops in Wichita
Quartz countertops blend style, function and durability together making them a smart investment for Wichita homeowners. Whether you decide to use quartz countertops in your kitchen renovation or bathroom remodel, you can rely on water, heat and physical resistance, countless colors and patterns and a cost that is often below other more traditional stone surfaces. If finding the right quartz seems difficult, Star Lumber in Wichita provides high quality quartz from industry certified manufacturers to suit your project. Schedule a free consultation today with one of our design experts.
